Faults:

Cable for boot/engine cover release (the only method of opening it) broke.

Leaks like a sieve in anything heavier than drizzle.

Strong smell of petrol when the tank contains more than an indicated 30 litres.

Car looks and feels generally tired at 50k. Rattles and squeaks everywhere, the odd clonk from underneath, steering not as sharp as it used to be.

Sudden clutch failure at 11,000 miles.

Gear linkage became detached.

General Comments:

The K-series engine hasn't missed a beat, consumes no oil or water and returns 42 mpg average. Lacks top end welly, but the acceleration up to about 80 mph is enough to see off most other things on four wheels. Lotus dealers are attentive and professional, but seem to be capitalising on charging Lotus servicing costs on what is a bog standard Rover engine. The chassis may be advanced and clever, but it doesn't need any more maintenance than a conventional one.

Handling is astonishing. Not as forgiving as my old MX-5, but with an immediacy and directness like no other car, and with limits that really take some exploring on the public road. Best steering I've ever experienced. Unassisted brakes are terrifying on first encounter (if you've ever been towed you'll know), but are fine once you get used to them. The difference in fun and sharpness between this and the MX-5 is like the difference between the MX-5 and my previous Golf again. It's that good. Get it on a track and it's in its element, as am I for that matter.

Shame about the poor build quality. Feels very "loose" recently with many of the interior fittings either broken, worn or loose. Some play around the dead ahead on the steering which wasn't there 10,000 miles ago. Disappointing after a (much cheaper) MX-5 which did 88,000 miles and still felt as good as new. Hood has never been truly watertight although it's so bad now, it's barely worth putting it up. If Mazda can make an unfailingly watertight hood on a £14,000 car, why can't Lotus on a £20,000 one?

Once you're in the car (no small feat with the roof up, it's like getting through a letterbox), it's surprisingly comfortable. Noise levels are high-ish, but pleasant in quality, and the seats support well. Equipment is poor in order to maximise weight saving, although I think the minimalism is a key part of the car's appeal. It has a decent heater and a stereo - what more do you need?

If it were better built, I'd buy another tomorrow, but as it stands now, I'll probably not.

Faults:

Started blowing windscreen wiper fuses, and was diagnosed as a faulty wiper motor. Replaced under warranty. A bent wiper arm wasn't covered - £100.

Losing coolant. Booked into garage, and lost a lot more. Diagnosed as a split radiator core rather than the suspected loose pipe connection to the radiator. Replaced under warranty.

The roof leaks sometimes - must learn how to fit it properly every time.

General Comments:

Very economical, noisy with a sports exhaust, but sounds the better for it, and it makes me take the fun way to work.

Picks up a lot of stone chips on the windscreen, and generally it's going quite fast when it gets hit. Only replace the windscreen when it really needs replacing, you'll only need to do it again otherwise.

The dealer has been remarkably helpful, always taking the car in straight away, but never offering a courtesy car or even a lift to the station. They're not that good at contacting the owner either, but better than the Citroen dealers.

I never feel I can 100% rely on the car, so to overcome this I've decided to get a second car as a daily driver. Hopefully I'll appreciate the Lotus more than too.